Causes & Treatment
Meet your meds, with the IVF support app to know – Part 3: Ganirelix
Emma Harpham in partnership with Pixel Care | 24 Apr 2025
Ganirelix, aka Ganirelix acetate, is a GnRH antagonist that plays a really key part in your IVF cycle. And if you’ve made it to the Ganirelix stage, it means you’re getting closer to the finish line.
Looking for specific support? This is part 3 of our mini-series in partnership with the expert pharmacists and nurses at Pixel Care where we’re answering some of the most-asked questions, and sharing tips to help make managing your meds a little less stressful.
With the Pixel Care fertility treatment app, you’ll know exactly when and how to take your meds, get step-by-step video instructions, and even book a video call with a fertility nurse or pharmacist for real-time support. Download the app free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and take one more thing off your mental load.
In parts 1 and 2 we covered off Follistim and Menopur – so read up if you missed those.
Now, over to the Pixel Care team for the Ganirelix mini-Q&A.
Ganirelix Q&A
1. What is Ganirelix acetate injection used for?
A Ganirelix acetate injection is used to stop your body from ovulating too soon.
Here’s why that matters: As your follicles grow and produce more estrogen, your body may get the signal to start the LH surge and release those eggs.
But you don’t want to ovulate before egg retrieval – because if your eggs are released early, there’s nothing to collect.
Ganirelix blocks that LH surge, keeping ovulation at bay until your doctor decides it’s time to trigger it, based on your response to stimulation so far measured by ultrasound and blood tests.
2. Does Ganirelix need to be refrigerated?
No, Ganirelix comes pre-filled and doesn’t need refrigeration. In fact, storing Ganirelix in the fridge could actually damage the medication.
It should be stored at room temperature, and protected from direct sunlight.
3. When do patients usually start Ganirelix?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to when to start Ganirelix, but you’ll usually start after your second or third monitoring appointment, once your doctor sees that your follicles are growing and your estrogen is climbing.
4. How many days of Ganirelix before retrieval?
Typically, you’ll have 5–6 days of Ganirelix before your retrieval.
But don’t worry if your timeline is a bit longer or shorter – every cycle is different, and that’s completely normal.
5. What should we know about Ganirelix side effects?
When it comes to Ganirelix acetate side effects, there are three things we tell patients:
- If you have a latex allergy, you may need to switch to a different antagonist as the needle cover of Ganirelix is made of rubber/latex.
- It stings going in – this sensation can range from itchiness to burning.
- You may see a raised area around the injection site, which should go away after about an hour or two.
If you do experience stinging or a red bump, both side effects should subside on their own. If they don’t, it’s important that you tell your nurse.
6. Are Cetrotide and Ganirelix the same?
Whilst Cetrotide and Ganirelix are not the same, they do the same thing! Both delay ovulation, so they are acceptable substitutions for each other.
Unlike Ganirelix, Cetrotide has to be mixed and kept in the fridge.
7. Any tips for how to inject Ganirelix?
Our top tip for how to inject Ganirelix is to remember to push the bubble of air out of the syringe before administration.
The Pixel Care app shows you exactly how to do it, with step-by-step video guides built into your medication list.
Otherwise, with no mixing, no drawing up medication, and one syringe equalling one dose, Ganirelix is pretty easy to get the hang of!
The Pixel Care app has your back for every injection
Whether you’re figuring out where to inject Ganirelix, storing Follistim or just want to feel more confident with your IVF protocol, the Pixel Care app is here to help you through it, one syringe at a time.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today to access clear, step-by-step injection instructions and FAQs for every medication you’re prescribed – and use code TRB when creating your Pixel Care account to receive a free fertility coaching session right now!
Next on your reading list: My IVF protocol, simplified (with the fertility treatment app I wish I’d known about sooner)
